Death of Hugo Chavez

Steve Breen’s cartoon (March 6) showing Uncle Sam smiling at the news of [Venezuela President Hugo] Chavez’s passing was in poor taste. He has reached a new low gloating over a ill man’s death.

As a cautionary tale, an Iranian friend of mine said before the 1989 revolution the people of Iran believed no one could be as bad as the Shah. Well guess what – there was for them and can be for Venezuela and the U.S.

No matter what Mr. Breen thought of Mr. Chavez, he was a human being with family, loved ones and many citizens who adored him. – Rebecca Motlagh, Coronado

I have been dismayed, discouraged, disappointed, and downright angry with much of what the U-T publishes. Today, I add another emotion – disgusted! That Steve Breen should show Uncle Sam smirking, delighted with the news of Chavez’s death, brings the paper down to a level that is beyond description. – Angela S. Campanella, San Diego

Regarding: “Chavez’s death met with anguish and fear” (March 6): President Chavez was a throwback to America’s Catholic Church of a century ago. Mostly centered on social-justice issues, “The Commander,” as Chavez was affectionately known, had aided the frail, poor and elderly in need of heating oil in our nation. We ought to be embarrassed as Americans in that our greatest corporate leaders are so absent in morality by their sense of greed and insensitivity. Viva Chavez! Long live this champion for the underclass. – Daniel J. Smiechowski, Bay Ho

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